As the summer heat begins to ramp up, so does the intensity of the season's storms. Avondale is bracing for its annual monsoon season, which has a tradition of delivering a mix of severe thunderstorms, punishing winds, dust storms, and potential flooding from mid-June through September. Avondale's City Manager, Ron Corbin, emphasized the city's readiness, stating, "Our city employees are fully prepared and trained to respond to the challenges that the monsoon season brings. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents," in a statement obtained by the City of Avondale's official website.
Forethought seems to be the city's mantra, as officials urge locals to proactively prepare to safely weather the storms. On the list of essential recommendations, residents are advised to remain indoors during storms and to arm their homes with emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food. For those who may find themselves driving when a storm hits, the advice is to not just reduce speed but to pull over completely, kill the engine and lights, and remove one's foot from the brake pedal amidst dust storms—all actions aimed to reduce the risk of accidents.
In terms of flood preparedness, citizens are encouraged to keep a close eye on weather reports. Avondale is providing free sandbags at the Municipal Operations Service Center and all Avondale Fire Stations to help protect properties from encroaching waters. "Free sandbags are available at the Municipal Operations Service Center and all Avondale Fire Stations," according to a press release from the City.
Moreover, Avondale's emergency response system is reaching out proactively to ensure that residents can stay informed through thick and thin. Signing up for Avondale ALERT will guarantee receipt of critical updates during emergencies, including severe weather patterns, roadblocks, and evacuations via phone, text, or email. "Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for Avondale ALERT to receive critical information during emergencies, including severe weather updates, road closures, and evacuation notices," the City’s website noted.
Practical steps do not just stop at the preparation. The City also provides avenues for reporting issues and concerns. They can be reached at Public Works during business hours for non-emergency problems or through the Police Department's non-emergency line afterward. Additionally, the AviWise app is available for submitting reports and photos linked to non-emergency situations. As the clouds gather and the winds start to pick up, Avondale stands ready—not in apprehension, but in preparedness, extending a call to action for all citizens to participate in their safety and the well-being of their community.
